Seeff Southern Cape & Country Magazine - Summer 2019/2020

Property Pages Country

Summer 2019/2020

STATELY HOME

WITH MAJESTIC VIEWS

LIVE THE

COUNTRY DREAM www.seeff.com

TOP EXPERIENCES IN THE OVERBERG SUMMERTIME COCKTAILS & RECIPES 175+ CHOICE PROPERTIES

SAMUEL SEEFF

A GOOD TIME TO BUY PROPERTY The upside of what has been somewhat of a down market, is that it is a great time to buy, especially in the Cape Country, Karoo and Southern Cape areas.

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s are result of lower demand, many areas have seen a rise in stock and buyers now have an excellent choice of properties; something that we have not seen for some time.

As we head into the summer months, a traditionally busier period for the real estate market, there appears to be a renewed expectation of increased buyer appetite ahead of the new academic year.

We are also encouraged by the news that the GDP growth rate lifted by 3.1% for the second quarter and inflation, while marginally up to 4.3%, remains fairly benign and within the Reserve Bank’s target range.

Already, we have seen that FNB has hinted that there may be some green shoots on the horizon as a level of stability appears to be returning to the property market as it adapts to the post-election reality.

While the outlook

remains flat compared to the prior three years, the mid-market range up to about R1.5 to R2 million remains active. Above that, and especially in the luxury sector of the market, it remains highly selective.

House price growth has remained flat and, while up slightly to around 3.5% by mid-year, remains muted and still somewhat below the CPI. The banks expect it to remain in this range, possibly only ticking up mildly to around 4% next year.

For buyers, it is a great time to get into the market. Bank approval rates continue trending upwards and are at some of the best levels in many years. FNB for example recently reported that for the first time since mid-2011 the mortgage lending growth rate outpaced house price growth.

An important take away from the latest data is that while the market remains busy and there is always a level

of demand, properties are still taking longer to sell and asking prices remain under pressure.

The implication for sellers is that with fewer buyers and more stock to choose from, they will need to keep their price expectations in line with the market.

As we have seen over the last few years, the Cape remains a place where most people want to live or invest in property. Country and small coastal areas continue to attract a mix of buyers and as a seller, you will want to be ready to capitalise on any buyer demand.

With very little price growth over the last year, property is offering excellent value. At the same time, the banks remain keen to lend and all of this supports the excellent buyer’s market conditions. If you are in the market for a new property, then you are sure to find what you are looking for and at a great price, too.

As one of the leading

property companies, Seeff offers skilled and experienced local area agents and a broad selection of property, so be sure to contact your local Seeff branch, or visit www.seeff.com for a full range of property on the market.

SAMUEL SEEFF Chairman Seeff Property Group

“Plenty of good stock on the market, a flat interest rate and increased appetite among the banks to grant mortgage loans, makes it a good time to buy” – Samuel Seeff

PUBLISHED FOR SEEFF BY CHAPEL LANE MEDIA

EMAIL: CHARL@CHAPELLANE.CO.ZA

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TEL: +27 (0)82 452 8110

C

CONTENTS 04

COVER STORY

IF YOU’RE SEEKING COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER.

12

TRAVEL

MOZAMBIQUE’S MEDJUMBE PRIVATE ISLAND IS PICTURE PERFECT PARADISE.

34

INDEX ABERDEEN

PAGE 59

ALBERTINIA

PAGE 30

ALIWAL NORTH

PAGE 58

ARNISTON

PAGE 42

BARRYDALE

PAGE 50

BREDASDORP

PAGE 42

BEAUFORT WEST

PAGE 60

BETHULIE

PAGE 52

BONNIEVALE

PAGE 8

BOT RIVER

PAGE 23

CALEDON

PAGE 24

COLESBERG

PAGE 52

CRADOCK

PAGE 51

DANIELSKUIL

PAGE 54

DOUGLAS

PAGE 55

GANSBAAI AREA

PAGES 33,36, 37

GARIEPDAM

PAGE 52

GOURITSMOND

PAGE 31

GRAAFF REINET

PAGE 53

GRABOUW

PAGE 23

HEIDELBERG

PAGE 28

KAKAMAS

PAGE 59

KATHU PAGE 69

COCKTAILS

SPLASH OUT WITH SUMMERY DRINKS USING CLEMENGOLD GIN. AND A GIVEAWAY TOO!

56 RAYVOLT ELECTRIC BICYCLES

26 MOTORING

RANGE ROVER’S EVOQUE

44 COCKTAILS

DRESSING UP YOUR PIMMS

PAGE 66

L’AGULHAS

PAGES 16, 18, 19

LADISMITH

PAGES 45, 46

MALGAS

PAGE 31

MIDDELBURG

PAGE 68

NAPIER PAGE 43

RECIPE

CHEF J’SOMETHING COOKS UP A FABULOUS MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE LAMB FEAST.

06 LUXURY LIFESTYLE

KURUMAN

48 TRAVEL

JOURNEY TO ST HELENA

64 KITCHEN DECOR

TECHNOLOGY + HARMONY

71 COCKTAILS

CLASSIC CAPERITIF

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PEARLY BEACH

PAGE 39

PORTERVILLE

PAGE 29

PORT NOLLOTH

PAGE 67

PRINCE ALBERT

PAGE 47

QUEENSTOWN

PAGE 68

RIVERSDAL

PAGES 10, 11

RIVIERSONDEREND

PAGE 25

SPRINGBOK

PAGE 67

STANFORD

PAGE 32

STILBAAI

PAGES 40, 41

STRUISBAAI

PAGES 14–18

SUIDERSTRAND

PAGE 14, 16

SWELLENDAM

PAGE 4, 5, 9

UPINGTON

PAGE 62, 63

VANRHYNSDORP

PAGE 61

VANWYKSDORP

PAGE 50

WITSAND

PAGE 38

3

COVER STORY

STATELY HOME WITH MAJESTIC VIEWS Built in the late 1960s, on land that once housed the historical Tremeer Dairy Parlour, this generously proportioned home offers the kind of affordable spaciousness that city dwellers can only dream of.

M

agnificent, established trees line the 1 843 square metre property, which is situated in a short culde-sac, nearby a quaint pedestrian bridge over the Koornlands River, which runs the length of the town.This substantial and well-built home, with

its wrap-around stoep for shade and coolness, provides ample opportunity for enjoying the spectacular views.

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a lounge and dining area, TV room, plus an open-plan kitchen and braai room that flows onto a spacious patio and includes

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a built-in braai for enjoying lovely summer evenings, this airy home is an entertainer’s delight. The option of converting from a family home to a welcoming guest house could be very easily achieved.

High ceilings add to the feeling of expansiveness, and the well-

EXCLUSIVE MANDATE

maintained wooden floors and windows bring warmth and character.

In addition to the house, there are outbuildings that include a home office with an adjacent room and bathroom. There are four garages and off-street parking for guests. The

property is walled and pet-friendly.

The local primary school is within easy walking distance.

Situated at the foot of the famous Langeberg Mountain range, Swellendam is becoming increasingly popular for its wholesome country

lifestyle and its world-class infrastructure. Two hours from Cape Town and George, with a treasure trove of historical sites, Swellendam is a friendly town and a sound investment destination for any property buyer.

PRICE: R3 900 000 ERF SIZE: 1 843m2

FEATURES: 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 4 GARAGES WWW.SEEFF.COM WEB REF: 2759255

AGENTS: MARINDA ROUX 083 562 8242 | VAL ANDERTON 083 785 5653 SEEFF OFFICE: 028 514 3999

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The Western Cape is a place of beauty and its people tend to be fit and active. Care is widely given to both the environment and personal appearance.

The electric Rayvolt bicycle range, now available in South Africa, fulfills both of these desires simultaneously: they look good and are good for the planet.

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he introduction of the newly launched Rayvolt Electric Bike should really just consist of 400 gushing adjectives and an invite to see it for yourself. No words can possibly do justice to one of the most beautiful pieces of design one could ever hope to encounter – an old fashioned

A RETRO FUTURE

R A Y V O L T

ELECTRIC BIKES P R O P E R T Y PA G E S | 6

DESIGN bicycle in traditional colours, with leather trimmings and retro accessories that could all hold their own at any design exhibition. You know what? Even if you had to pedal this beauty all the way to Swellendam by yourself, you would still want to own it…

Luckily, the glorious past captured in this bike’s design meets an exciting future as a highly-advanced electrical bike that helps you pedal when most needed. The Rayvolt’s hubs contain a very complex, brushless 3-phase DC motor comprising of 48 different copper coils and magnets that are placed on the outermost perimeter of the motor for the best possible torque and unmatched ride comfort.

The battery system operates off 13 cells in a series to reach a nominal voltage of 48V. At peak voltage, a full charge of 54.6V gives incredible power. With different configurations possible, the system delivers an unmatched capacity of 550Wh and 1100Wh, while most of the industry uses 300W to 360Wh. To recharge, the Intelligent Regenerative Brake System (iRBS) kicks in. Fitted into the brake levers, it sends a data signal to the motor controller that provokes a reverse effect in the motor. This converts torque into resistance using the wheel inertia to generate electricity and recharge the batteries. In simple words, the regenerative braking acts like an ultra-powerful dynamo when the levers are pulled. This intelligent iRBS is linked to a built-in gyroscope, allowing the bike to detect the cycling environment. It then provides the necessary amount of regenerative brake according to the angle of the hill. iRBS paired with the cloud-based iTS also allows you to remotely lock

your rear wheel.

Even if you don’t cycle, it is worth making some of the carefully crafted leather saddle bags and panniers part of your collection. Who would ever have thought as cycling as a place to “accessorize”!

Prices range from R38 800 to the full power hub model at R49 900. The Cruzer is available in three colours: British Racing Green, Clock Work Orange or Gun Metal Grey.

Find more information and arrange to test ride your Rayvolt model.

www.rayvoltbike.co.za.

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COVER PROPERTY

MEDJUMBE PRIVATE ISLAND HEAVEN IN THE INDIAN OCEAN Although there are many brochures of tropical islands that might be airbrushed, when it comes to Mozambique's Medjumbe, Mother Nature is the only artist.

W

e are flying 30 minutes north from Pemba, Mozambique, to nowhere, somewhere, a place, an island in the Indian Ocean that only a few others have visited. Through the window of our six-seater CFA Cessna, I see a lone white spit of land come into view. It is but one kilometre long and 300 metres wide.

There are 12 thatched cottages spread along one side of the island, the water of their private swimming pools glimmering in the sun.

Medjumbe, part of the respected Antara collection, is located in the spectacular marine reserve of the Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique.

Developed as a resort over the last few years, it strives to be eco-friendly and exclusive.

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TRAVEL

As tropical islands go, this one is, indeed, paradise. Besides its sheer beauty and seclusion, there are no mosquitoes, no snakes, and no cell phone reception. Time becomes endless here, and it is virtually impossible not to slow down. It comes as no surprise, then, when we learn that the island is in a time zone unto itself.

The pristine beach stretches endlessly and changes its shape with every tide, beckoning hundreds of seabirds at sunset. The crystal-clear ocean’s colours, too, change with every tide, leaving bands of white sand exposed and a tapestry of azure and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see.

They say the Eskimos have more than 100 words for “snow” – I wonder if it is the same with islanders and the colour “blue”?

The chalets are luxurious in their simplicity and made of timber and grass, with a wooden deck, a private plunge pool overlooking the sea, an outdoor shower for stargazing, and a bath tub big enough for two. There are finer touches, too – air conditioning to cool off the heat of the day and a hammock for drifting into an afternoon nap after a few chapters of your new novel. Delightfully prepared meals are served al fresco in the main lodge, where the breeze is gentle and you can watch the constant stream of ancient dhows slowly traverse the horizon. The Caipirinhas at the bar are a perfect balance of sweet and sour and they flow from 10:00am until the last guest says goodnight.

Should you want to punctuate your days with activities, some of the most esteemed scuba diving sites in the Indian Ocean are easily accessible and a diving course is available. The snorkelling is also fantastic, and a boat goes out every morning to different spots on the nearby reef, part of which is accessible from the beach at certain tides should a 9:00am commitment be too much.

Kayaking, fishing, learning to sail a dhow and other water sports are all on offer. If you are on honeymoon and desire even more privacy than your chalet and the long swathes of isolated beach offer, Medjumbe’s staff can arrange a sunset cruise or a day trip out to a tiny, private island where you can picnic and nap at your leisure. Their newest offering is the Robinson Crusoe-style bed aboard a dhow where you can spend a romantic night under the moon.

On our first day on Medjumbe, our host suggested we take our shoes off. When it is, sadly, our time to depart, I can’t remember where I put them. I do, however, have some new words for the colour “blue.” www.medjumbe.com

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STRUISBAAI AND SURROUNDS

L'AGULHAS – R3 200 000

STRUISBAAI – R1 920 000

WARM & INVITING

METRES FROM THE MAIN SWIMMING BEACH Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Garages 1

WEB 3695195

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 Garages 2

WEB 3335457

Stunning and very spacious (259sqm) apartment, comfortably spread over 3 floors with access control and huge entertainment deck in sought-after complex.

Well maintained and situated in a highly sought-after area, walking distance to the ocean.

Open-plan living at its best plus quality finishes.

[O] 028 435 6699 I RICHARD PRATT 076 163 8931

[O] 028 435 6699 I RICHARD PRATT 076 163 8931

STRUISBAAI – R1 500 000

STRUISBAAI – R1 530 000

FILLED WITH CHARACTER & CHARM Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garages 1

A LOT FOR A LITTLE WEB 3108730

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Garages 1

WEB 3696755

A lot of thought has gone into creating this perfect holiday home. Here you can settle in serene surroundings and experience unforgettable holidays

This is fantastic value for money! So much to offer: Very central. Includes an under roof pool, boat garage, workshop, double volume ceilings, loft room etc.

[O] 028 435 6699 I RICHARD PRATT 076 163 8931

[O] 028 435 6699 I RICHARD PRATT 076 163 8931

L'AGULHAS – R2 995 000

SUIDERSTRAND – R1 495 000

SUPERB INCOME GENERATOR

Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 Garages 2

UNPARALLELED BEAUTY WEB 3691917

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2

WEB 3342786

This newly built modern home offers more than meets the eye! Main house offers large entertaining areas plus a separate 2 bedroom flatlet and studio apartment with separate entrance.

Fine craftsmanship and natural beauty throughout this home, for those who appreciate artistry of nature. Boasting panoramic views the second you walk through the front door.

[O] 028 435 6699 I BELINDA WILLEMSE 082 455 6310

[O] 028 435 6699 I RICHARD PRATT 076 163 8931

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COVER PROPERTY

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MADE FOR COUNTRY LIVING

R A N G E R OV E R E VO Q U E

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that define each of the world’s SUV sectors. With global sales of nearly 800 000, and well over 200 international awards, the new Range Rover Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original.

Combining unrivalled Range Rover heritage with cutting-edge technology, it meets every need of today’s customers.

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MOTORING

E

voque, the original luxury SUV, now introduces never-before-seen standards of design, capability and sustainability.

Thanks to a longer wheelbase, owners will enjoy an increase in rear legroom, a larger load space and enhanced small item stowage.

For the more adventurous, the innovative Terrain Response 2 technology meets driving needs from small town streets to mountain tops, ensuring that destinations are reached no matter the conditions.

And for the full enjoyment of the quiet roads away from it all, the state-of-the-art Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens for unrivalled functionality and intuitive operation, sets a new standard.

The introduction of super-slim Matrix LED headlamps provides a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic. Flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful yet classic signature.

Inside, the finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials to create a luxurious, minimalist, digital cabin. Textiles that use recycled plastics are offered as premium alternatives to leather. The cabin is designed to be calm and serene, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants with new, faster software, 16-way seat controls and cabin air ionisation that complement the increased interior space.

The most exciting feature for heavy-duty off-road users is the Ground View technology.

ClearSight Ground View – the realisation of Land Rover’s transparent bonnet concept – is a world first. Cameras in the front grille and on the doormirrors project a feed onto the central touchscreen to show what is ahead of and underneath the front of the vehicle with a virtual 180-degree view.

The new Evoque is in a class of its own. Get a first-hand experience and insight into all the latest adaptations by booking a test drive today.

www.landrover.co.za

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HEIDELBERG

HEIDELBERG – R750 000

HEIDELBERG – R750 000

JEWEL OF A SPOT!

BE QUICK... WELL PRICED PROPERTY

Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 Garages 2 WEB 3561777 Location, location, location... these properties do not come onto the market often.

Do not miss this opportunity to buy a property in the Main Road of Heidelberg.

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 1.5 Garages 1 WEB 3648508 Properties in this price range are becoming drastically rare in town. Although this is an old building, the whole property has been very well maintained.

[O] 028 722 1027 I YOLANDI BOUWER 083 285 4295

[O] 028 722 1027 I YOLANDI BOUWER 083 285 4295

HEIDELBERG – R890 000

HEIDELBERG – R950 000

PERFECT BEGINNING OR EASY RETIREMENT

GET THAT COUNTRY FEELING

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2.5 Garages 1 WEB 3173305 This house is just the right size for a young or small family. It will also be perfect for retirement, being of manageable size yet offering enough space.

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2.5 Garages 2 WEB 3686829 This lovely family home is situated on a large plot of 1 312sqm in an excellent area of town. You can literally just move in!

[O] 028 722 1027 I YOLANDI BOUWER 083 285 4295

[O] 028 722 1027 I YOLANDI BOUWER 083 285 4295

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SUMMERTIME

SPLASH

ClemenGold Gin is distilled and bottled in Cape Town by Hope on Hopkins, which uses the age-old process of small-batch distillation with their two faithful stills, Mildred and Maude, to create this excellent gin. Sundried ClemenGold mandarin peels, cinnamon, ground almond and juniper are the signature botanicals. ClemenGold recently won a gold medal at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards.

THE ELDERFLOWER FIZZ INGREDIENTS

• 50ml ClemenGold Gin • 20ml lemon juice • 25ml Bols Aptcot • 25ml bitters orange liqueur • Elderflower tonic

GARNISH

• Frozen gooseberries • Dried grapefruit • Ice mould

METHOD

Add all ingredients into a Moscow Mule copper mug except the tonic.

Stir mixture with cubed ice then top with elderflower tonic and crushed ice.

Garnish with frozen gooseberries and dried grapefruit.

These refreshing cocktail recipes are presented courtesy of the Vista Bar & Lounge experts at One&Only Cape Town.

ClemenGold Gin is South Africa’s premium citrus gin that woos gin aficionados with its distinctive flavour derived from sundried ClemenGold mandarin peels. Why not treat your friends to a gin tasting with a variety of tonics and garnishes this summer? ClemenGold Gin is available

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COCKTAILS

SIGNAL HILL INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

50ml ClemenGold Gin 1 passion fruit 25ml lime juice 8 fresh basil leaves Soda water Angostura bitters 25ml Stroh ‘60

GARNISH

• Basil stem • Emptied passion fruit half

METHOD

Place all ingredients except soda and bitters into shaker.

Add ice and shake.

Double strain into glass.

Top up with crushed ice, soda water and bitters.

Garnish with basil and passion fruit. Set alight with Stroh ’60.

online at www.clemengoldgin.co.za or in Hermanus at the Wine Village, Wine & Company and PnP Liquors.

GIVEAWAY

ClemenGold are offering 3 lucky Seeff Country readers a lovely hamper. Email your name and contact details with subject line CLEMENGOLD to winwithseeff@gmail.com by 31 December 2019. Must be 18 to enter.

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COCKTAILS

DRESSING UP

YOUR PIMM'S

Ahhh, cool breezes, garden parties, cocktails court-side or at a polo match… It’s always Pimm's time when it’s summer time and here are just a few ways to jazz up your Pimms No 1.

P

imm's is a ginbased drink containing a secret mixture of herbs and liqueurs that dates back to 1823 England. It tastes subtly of spice and citrus and makes for a refreshing summer time drink. The most popular way to serve it is with lemonade and a fruit basket of various chopped garnishes. But one can get a tad creative, too.

PIMM’S ORIGINAL Stick with a tried and true recipe for a social gathering.

• Highball glass • 50ml Pimm’s No.1 • 150ml of Lemonade • Ice • Mint, orange, and strawberries • Cucumber to garnish Muddle the mint just a bit.

Pile all the ingredients in a tall glass. Mix and sip.

Better, still: make a very large jugful and share with friends.

SPICY GINGER PIMM’S Substitute the lemonade with ginger ale or, better yet, ginger beer for a bit of a kick. Follow the recipe for Pimm’s Original, then garnish with lemon or lime.

PIMM’S ROYAL CUP Mix your Pimm's with Champagne or sparkling white wine (in a 1:3 ratio) for a regal encounter.

Garnish with a cherry.

THE PIMMLET Want to get a bit fancier, and a bit stronger, try the Pimmlet.

• Cocktail shaker • Martini glass • 25ml Pimm’s No.1 • 25ml Gordon’s Gin • 25ml fresh lime juice • Ice • Cucumber and mint • Dash of sugar syrup Muddle cucumber, mint leaves, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and then shake for a minute. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

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WHERE NATURE MEETS NAPOLEON

MANTIS

ST HELENA

If Napoleon triumphed at Waterloo, the South Atlantic Island of St Helena might have remained off the radar forever. But history swiped left, with the diminutive French general spending his last 25 years on this lush patch in the South Atlantic. Mantis now offers a luxury hotel to entice you to experience this very unique destination.

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TRAVEL

T

here are only just a few undiscovered destinations left in the world and, until recently, the British Territory of St Helena was one of them. The opening of St Helena’s airport and the advent of commercial flights has reduced journey times from days to mere hours, making it easier for you, the discerning traveller, to experience this extraordinary island. Gone are the days of waiting for the boat…

Mantis St Helena is located in Jamestown, the island’s capital.

The 30-bedroom boutique hotel is set in the original East India Company’s officers’ barracks built in 1774 and boasts a large restaurant, cocktail bar, guest lounge and two spacious outdoor terraces. Luxurious “Heritage Suites” and recently built “Contemporary Rooms” have set a new accommodation standard on the island.

St Helena’s scenery is spectacular. From the clear Atlantic waters to the sheer cliffs and breathtaking rock formations, through arid red desert dotted with cacti, rolling green fields and flax-covered hillsides to a pinnacle of prehistoric cloud forest, St Helena packs a lot into 120 square kilometres.

Discover centuries-old military fortifications and the legacies of past exiles, encounter fascinating flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet, and meet the locals – affectionately called “Saints” – renowned for their warm welcome. Whether an active explorer, avid historian or marine enthusiast, this must-do destination has something for everyone.

For divers, St Helena has fantastic spots, and Mantis has put together an itinerary that includes the 10 best dives on the island within one week of visiting.

Or, you could set your own pace, with the help of the concierge

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or the Mantis team pre-arrival.

The local tourism board provides excellent information and historical and natural sites are well maintained by the “Saints”.

Airlink flies to St Helena once a week, on Saturdays, departing Johannesburg via Windhoek.

Seating is limited so it is recommended that you plan well in advance.

For more information (ask about special offers, too): st.helena@mantiscollection.com www.mantiscollection.com

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S O M E T H I N G ' S C O O K I N G

L A M B

F E A S T

SHREDDED LAMB WITH HUMMUS AND CUMIN FLAT BREAD, SERVED WITH PICKLED RED ONION & AUBERGINE SALAD. Until recently, Portugese-born Joao Fonseca, known to most of his fans as J’Something, was better known for his award-winning hits and the lead singer of popular South African band Mi Casa. Nowadays, however, some might recognise him more for his flair with food. His first restaurant, Something’s Cooking By J, opened in April 2017 at Time Square in Menlyn, Pretoria; he’s had his own TV show; and he has headlined the Good Food & Wine Show.

J’s food philosophy is simple: begin with love. “It’s not necessarily about the cost, the complexity or the look, but what’s in your heart when you are making the dish,” he says.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CUMIN, CHILLI & GARLIC FLAT BREAD • 1 tsp of cumin seeds • roasted dried chilli • 1tsp crushed garlic • 250g self raising flour • 1tsp baking powder • 250g of double thick plain yoghurt • pinch salt

FOR THE SHREDDED LAMB • 1.5kg leg of lamb • 1 whole head of garlic • handful of thyme • handful of rosemary • coarse salt • black pepper • olive oil • cumin • ground coriander

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RECIPE

FOR THE HUMMUS • 2 tins of chickpeas • lemon juice • roasted garlic • coarse salt • black pepper • 4 tbs tahini • pinch of ground chipotle • cumin • olive oil • parsley FOR THE RED ONION PICKLE & GRILLED AUBERGINE SALAD • 1 large aubergine thinly sliced • salt and pepper • oregano • olive oil • fresh rocket • 1 red onion thinly sliced • 3 tbs red wine vinegar • 1tsp salt • 1 garlic clove minced • 1/4 cup olive oil

SALAD & HUMUS Slice the red onion thinly into half moons. Place into a bowl and mix the salt and red wine vinegar and let it stand for a minimum of 10 min. Thereafter, add in the olive oil, cold water and garlic and mix gently. Now, it’s ready for the aubergine.

To make the aubergine, first pre-heat the oven to 240ºC .

Thinly slice the aubergine. Coat a baking tray evenly with olive oil and oregano and place the sliced aubergine in the tray, coating with the oil on both sides before baking for 20 min. Once cooked, place the aubergine in a bowl with the red onion pickle and the dressing and allow to cool.

For the humus, simple put all ingredients into a food processor, mix for 2 minutes and add spices to taste.

Assemble and serve.

METHOD LEG OF LAMB Pre-heat the oven to 220Cº. In a roasting tin, place the thyme and rosemary in the centre and drizzle over some olive oil.

Pat the leg of lamb dry with some paper towel and with a sharps chef’s knife gently create some slits in the leg of lamb where you can place the cloves of garlic. Drizzle some more olive oil and sea salt and black pepper. Lastly, add the coriander and cumin and rub it into the leg of lamb. Cover the dish with foil tightly.

Place leg of lamb in the oven for 30 min and then reduce the heat to 180ºC and cook for a further hour. For the last 30 min remove the foil.

Remove from the oven and begin to shred the lamb.

FLAT BREAD Toast the cumin seeds in a pan until you start to smell the spice come alive.

Mix the flour, cumin seeds, garlic, and chilli with 250g of the yoghurt until a dough is formed. Knead the dough a bit with some of the leftover flour until it’s lovely and springy.

Separate the dough into about 8 balls and then roll them out and brush them with some olive oil and place into a hot griddle pan for about 3 min each.

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I N N O VAT I O N F O R L I F E

TECHNOLOGY MEETS HARMONY At the heart of every kitchen by Valcucine is a belief that good design improves wellbeing.

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or nearly 40 years, Valcucine, a globally recognised Italian kitchen brand, has created some of the world’s most innovative and outstanding kitchen designs. They have always, however, had one central objective in mind: to improve the wellbeing of the user. Valcucine believes that through its dedication to innovation, lasting quality and ergonomics, its designs can bring comfort, joy and sensory delight to everyday experiences.

Since the company was established in the 1980s, numerous ground-breaking and award-winning innovations have revolutionised the way the space in a kitchen is understood.

One of Valcucine’s first designs, the iconic Artematica kitchen, set a new benchmark for versatility in the sector with the world’s first unit-door system featuring an invisible aluminium frame. This pioneering door-frame system could accommodate a huge variety of materials and finishes – including HPL in scores of different colours, lacquered MDF and glass – opening up endless new aesthetic combinations and design ideas.

Artematica’s exceptionally light panels also made a quieter closing motion possible, for more pleasant, fluid motions and interactions,

KITCHENS

and its rounded edges and corners offered improved comfort and safety.

Aesthetically, its refinement and seamless surfaces reduced kitchen design to a dramatically beautiful play of pure volumes.

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Valcucine launched Invitrum, a glass version of Artematica, which was the world’s first kitchen system with units and doors constructed from 100% recyclable materials. Valcucine’s view of people’s wellbeing has always included living in harmony with the environment, creating a balance between the use and the replenishment of natural resources.

The revolutionary use of materials and attention to detail have been one of the cornerstone of Valcucine’s pioneering approach, and throughout its history its designers have constantly embraced material innovations. In the 1990s, Valcucine launched Riciclantica, the eco-tech kitchen concept that opened up new possibilities for layouts.

Riciclantica stands for “lightness and resilience”, and by introducing the world’s lightest and slimmest doors, measuring just 2mm, Valcucine

made it possible to plan kitchen layouts with wall-hung units that enabled new freedom of arrangement and movement. At the same time, Riciclantica’s remarkable reduction in the amount of material necessary to construct the kitchen underlined the company’s commitment to realising people’s wellbeing through their desire to live in harmony with nature.

Most recently, the launch of Genius Loci marked the evolution of Valcucine’s embrace of personalisation through the fusion of traditional Italian handicraft techniques and natural materials with technological progress.

This modular kitchen not only offers the ultimate in customisation, but through the inclusion of a secret and intimate space in a drawer – inspired by the concept of the secretaire, an antique writing desk with a hidden drawer – offers new levels of sophistication by taking design beyond functionality.

While the Genius Loci provides tactility and individuality through craft, it also features Valcucine’s Air Logica System, a game-changing ergonomic back panel that conceals kitchen accessories such as dish-drainer, small

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appliances, electric sockets, utensil hooks and the like. Combined with Valcucine’s V-Motion kit, which allows users to interact with the kitchen with gesture control, using motor-driven opening and closing mechanisms that allow users to open and shut Air Logica System’s deep drawers and back panel doors even when their hands are occupied, the Genus Loci takes each interaction with the kitchen to magical new heights of emotion and delight.

All Valcucine’s kitchens are designed to last for generations and to remain impervious to trends. But for Valcucine, kitchen design goes beyond aesthetics. There is a constant quest for new ways to innovate, both in terms of kitchen ergonomics and the company’s environmental agenda, with people and their day-to-day wellbeing placed at the centre of everything it does.

Valcucine SA has a dedicated showroom in Cape Town and is represented in Johannesburg by Casarredo. Find out more by visiting their website. www.valcucinesa.co.za

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COCKTAILS

CAPERITIF

THE GOLDEN GHOST

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aperitif is considered an aperitif wine and should be served chilled at 6-8°C. It is made from a fortified Chenin Blanc, sweetened by the sugar from grapes and then flavoured with some 35 ingredients that are found in the Western Cape, such as indigenous fynbos, the bitter bark of the Qunichona, the fragrant medicinal plant called kalmoes, the tartness of naartjies, and a range of other local botanicals.

Not only does Caperitif have a long list of ingredients, it has a long legacy dating back to the early days of South Africa’s gold and diamond rush when, according to the good folks at AA Badenhorst, a family wine farm located in the Swartland and the modern home of Caperitif, versions of the beverage were first produced. The famous Savoy Cocktail book, published in 1930 by the Savoy Hotel, for example, contains over 40 recipes with Caperitif as an ingredient, even though the product has not been produced for decades.

Inspired by a serendipitous meeting between Danish mixologist Lars Erik Lyndgaard Schmidt and Swartland winemaker Adi Badenhorst, the ghost ingredient has been revived. It was first launched in November 2014 and is becoming one of the best-kept secrets in the barista’s arsenal around the world.

If you want to experiment with other cocktail recipes, you can try the iconic Barney Barnato, the Modder Rivier and the Oom Paul. Or simply sip it over ice, or add it to your gin and tonic. The possibilities are endless, and timeless.

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THE JAN SMUTS INGREDIENTS • ice cubes • 20ml pomegranate rubies • 20ml fresh pomegranate juice • 40ml Caperitif • 40ml gin • dry tonic to top • lemon slices and mint to garnish METHOD Begin by scooping into a tall glass equal amounts of ice and pomegranate rubies.

Add Caperitif, gin and pomegranate juice. Stir. Splash with tonic and garnish with a lemon to serve.

The structured Intern Programme is an integrated learning programme which provides the intern with all the building blocks to become a Professional Practitioner in Real Estate (PPRE) The building blocks are: Further Education and Training Certificate (NQF level 4) provides the broad knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in the Real Estate Industry.

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